Road traffic accidents(RTA) result in significant mortality and morbidity. Identification of causes for accidents, injury pattern, type of injuries help to launch preventive strategies. MethodsWe analyzed all consecutive road traffic accident victims admitted to surgery Unit A General Hospital Matara from 01 September 2019 to 29 February 2020. We analyzed age and sex of victims, pattern of injury, possible cause for accident, influence of alcohol and use of safety equipment. Results: There were

more »

... 394 patients. 323(82%) weremales. Average age in males was 39 years(range 5-85) and in females 41 years(range 8-83). Vehicles involved were motor bicycles 238(62%), three wheelers 63(16%), buses 12(3%), Bicycles 40(10%), cars 15(4%). Causes for accidents were own wrong driving 160(44%), opponent vehicle wrong driving 107(30%), animals crossing road 41(11%), mechanical failure 40(11%), poor road quality 12(3%), man crossing road 3(1%). 92(23%) patients had consumed alcohol at the time and 40(17%) were without helmets. The area of the body affected was head in 185(47%), limb/extremity in 243(62%), chest in 74 (19%) and abdomen in 68(17%). Conclusion: Commonest vehicle involved was motor bicycle. Males were more affected. Limb injuries(62%) were the commonest trauma. 23% accidents are associated with alcohol drinking. Proper legislations implementation is necessary to control drunken drivers and riders without safety equipments. Wrong driving technique is the main cause for accidents(74%).